Solar keratosis

Solar keratoses (sunspots, actinic kerstoses), are common in fair skinned people in Australia and occur party because of the effects that UV radiation can have on the immune system and its damaging effect on DNA. Solar keratoses, normally caused by too much sun exposure, usually appear as thickened, scaly patches of skin or pink/brown spots on the face and scalp. These signs indicate that some sun damaged has occurred. It is important to treat sunspots because, in a small number of cases, they can lead to some types of serious skin cancers.

Our skin cancer doctors can treat solar keratoses any number of ways, including:

Efudix

Aldara

Picato

Metvix-PDT

liquid nitrogen

laser resurfacing

PDT (Photodynamic Therapy)

PDT is a unique way to treat sun damaged, blemished and aged skin on all areas of the body. By using PDT’s non-invasive light technology, doctors can now treat a range of skin conditions in a fast and affordable way with minimal side effects and downtime. A naturally occurring substance called ALA is applied to the affected area. When applied to the skin, the ALA is absorbed into abnormal or damaged calls, bacteria and oil glands. Once absorbed, an LED light is focused on the treated area for a period of time. When exposed to light, the abnormal skin cells, containing the ALA, are selectively destroyed to ultimately reveal healthy skin cells, less acne, less sun damaged and improve skin texture. The length and duration of your treatment will be determined at the time of your consultation.